Can you hear it? God’s whispers of love to you? Whispers of beauty, grace, comfort and goodness. God has planted sweetness in every season just to warm your heart and to speak to you of His lavish love and constant care, because you are His beloved child. Savor the gifts of each season. There is a message of God’s love and provision inside each berry you eat… each seashell you hold up to your ear…in each sunrise…and in the scent of a rose (and in a gazillion other wondrous things!)

In the flurry of life, don’t miss the gifts He so exquisitely wrapped just for you.

“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting–a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1

He blesses you with scrumptious, dripping-with-sweetness watermelon in the summertime…..to refresh you and tell you to “taste and see that the Lord is good”. (Psalm 38:4). Once summer is over we have to wait a whole year before we can taste it’s goodness again!

True Holiness comes wrapped in the ordinary ~ Anonymous

In Autumn, He delights you with plump and whimsical pumpkins…bountiful blessings of harvest time…to lift your spirit and bring joy to your heart! (Don’t you think pumpkins were such great idea that God had?! They are so cheery, and without them, we would’nt have pumpkin pie!)

“A twinkle in the eye means joy in the heart, and good news makes you feel fit as a fiddle.” Proverbs 15 :30 (The Message Bible)

(The “good news” is that God loves you more than you can imagine! Look at the beauty around you, He is speaking to your heart!)

In Winter He spreads a breathtaking blanket of sugared-snow…to romance your heart with stunning beauty….” I have loved you with an everlasting love: I have drawn you with loving-kindness” Jeremiah 31:3

In Spring He dresses the brown barren trees with shiny new apple-green leaves….to remind us that with Jesus Christ we can have a fresh new start in life and His mercies are new every morning! Springtime renews our hope in His faithfulness.” Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. ” Isaiah 43:19

Hasten unto Him who calls you in the silences of your heart.~ Thomas R. Kelly

Our great and awesome God…the creator of the Universe knows your name, He knows how many hairs are on your head…He knit you together in your mother’s womb…..He knows your struggles, and has given you promises in His Word for you to find comfort and hope in….He knows the things that delight your heart and He places them along your path, with a wink and a smile….He has wonderful plans for your life and wants to be a part of them…He adores you…He sings love songs over you every day, every season.

“I look at your heavens, which you made with your fingers. I see the moon and stars, which you created. But why are people even important to you? Why do you take care of human beings? You made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.” Psalm 8:3-5

“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

We need to fill our hearts with child-like wonder! We have to be intentional about it. It starts with thankfulness and the knowledge that we are dearly loved by our Heavenly Father.

The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved. ~Victor Hugo

Let us be gracious to our Lord and take the time to honor Him for His gifts that He blesses us with in each beautiful season! Savor that ice-cold slice of watermelon! Adorn your home with those adorable pumpkins in the Fall! Breathe in the crisp beauty of a winter wonderland! Be refreshed as He renews the earth in spring! Thank Him for His goodness! Having a grateful heart will change the way you feel. Joy will begin to bubble up as you think on God’s goodness and praise Him for it.

“I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” Philippians 4:8 (The Message Bible)

I really believe if we change our thoughts we will change our life.

I know for a fact that when I whine and complain about things, I miss out on God’s blessings. I don’t see His gifts because I’m too busy looking at my little troubles instead of God’s goodness. When I focus on the things that are upsetting and disappointing, I feel awful inside (and so does everyone around me! Y’all know “if mama ain’t happy,no body’s happy”). And what are we teaching our children when we complain about every irritation that comes along? Yikes!

I heard someone say once that “whatever we feed, that is what will grow. ” If we re-play over and over in our mind how angry or upset we are, we are feeding that anger and we are causing bitterness to grow like a big ugly weed. And a bitter, angry, woman is NOT what I want to become (Ew! That’s scary!). Instead, I want to grow joy in my heart. So I’ve got to fill it with thoughts of thankfulness, loveliness, kindness, and simple beauty, all of which are found in the Word of God (Bible) and in the goodness He blesses me with. It’s really about guarding our hearts! Proverbs 4:23 says “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” (New Century Version).

So a few years ago I made the decision to intentionally look for the gifts that God has placed in my pathway and to be thankful and gracious to Him. I don’t want to take His blessings for granted. I decided to stop thinking about myself so much and what I want, because life is not about me. It’s about doing what He has called me to do and to glorify Him, that is where true joy is found. So when I am tempted to feel sorry for myself, I remind myself that I need to cancel that Pity-Party….’cuz that kind of party only pops my bubble of joy. It’s not easy, it’s takes discipline. Many times I fail and when I do, I pray for strength and begin looking around at what I should be thankful for. Thank goodness for God’s grace!

The best beauty secret….a thankful heart.

“Be beautiful inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit which is so precious.” 1 Peter

As a side note…we all know that as women our hormones sometimes get the best of us, causing our emotions to go on a roller coaster ride, that is why it is so important to take good care of ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually. We all know that we need to eat better, drink more water, (limit sugar and caffeine…boo-hoo! ) we need to exercise…you know, all the things that are hard to do, but if we want to feel better, we just have to do it. Oh yes, and if you read the article on page 36 in the August / September 2009 issue of Mary Janes Farm Magazine about the health hazards of Aspartame–artificial sweeteners in diet drinks, then sista, I hope you cut down on those too! Hey, I just want y’all to feel better!

We need to take time for prayer and reading God’s Word, hold onto His promises….write them out on 3×5 cards if need be or highlight them in your Bible…meditate on them…believe them, thank God for them. However we feel, God is worthy of our thanksgiving and praise. There are three things I always tell myself when things seem out of sorts:

1.) God is in control.

2.) This too shall pass.

3.) The best is yet to come.

Sometimes we need to get out of the house and enjoy some new scenery! We also need things to look forward to.

We need to surround ourselves with God’s goodness….sweet homey things of beauty. Things that smell good, look fresh, and makes your heart go pitter-patter. We need to clear out the clutter to make room for the lovely. My Sugar Pie Sistas, we are so affected by our environment (and so is our family!). If our home is in a chaotic mess then we feel that way inside. On the other hand, when our home is in order and filled with little corners of beauty and light, then it calms us and brings serenity and contentment.

Beauty Inspires!

In my home, I have learned to be thankful for the gifts of simple beauty. I think that is why I love the “Farmhouse” look so much. It’s down-to-earth and homey. It’s comfortable and nurturing. It’s cozy and simply sweet. It’s practical and durable. I am thankful for the comfort of routine…the soothing warmth of warm sudsy water when I wash dishes (the ones that are too delicate to put in the dishwasher)…I’m thankful for the quiet in the early morning….the soft glow and yummy scent of a candle burning…..the strength to do household tasks….blueberry muffins baking….warm towels fresh from the dryer…fresh sheets on my bed, ready to nestle into after a long day. I love the way my wood floor creaks in certain spots, and the rhythmic ticking of the clock. I adore these simple things.

As a homemaker I so enjoy making my home feel cozy and welcoming by creating an atmosphere of simple beauty. Things like my old fashioned flour sack towels folded next to my kitchen sink, ready to keep warm my fresh baked biscuits….or to cover a pie while it’s cooling and to keep away flies. I use them to dry rinsed lettuce by wrapping the wet leaves up and shaking the water off. I tuck a towel in the waste band of my apron as a handy way to dry my hands quickly while cooking. I also place a folded towel under a bowl and also my cutting board to keep it from sliding around and slipping while I’m mixing and chopping. Back in my mother-in-law’s day, growing up on a farm in Oklahoma, she said they did not have refrigeration, so any left-overs from breakfast or lunch was covered with flour sack towelsto keep the pests away and from drying out. I love that the more you wash them the softer they become. Such a simple thing, but endearing to me, to see them folded neatly in a cute container by my kitchen sink.

( I found the painted tin basket at my grocery store, sometimes I put my towels in a wooden bucket in the Fall to change things up a bit)

Here are a few ideas to decorate your home with God’s goodness….

In the mornings I like to put on music to set the tone in my home. sometimes it’s 1940’s tunes, or Gospel, Bluegrass or Classical and even Christmas Carols when it’s not even Christmastime! (I’m weird that way!) I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the musical soundtrack to Little Women! I especially love it in the fall! This is a must-have when you are pulling out the pumpkins and autumn leaves for Fall decorating! It really stirs the domestic joys in my heart!

An old fashioned milk-glass vase of home-grown roses is one of the blessings of Summer that delights my heart. These are called Double Delight…they smell heavenly! They inspire me.

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. ~ Berthold Auerbach

Vintage tablecloths nestled in an old dishpan, ready to grace my table… a homey backdrop to any meal. If these squares of pretty fabric could talk, it would be fun to know about each homemaker that set her kitchen table with these fruity and gingham delights. Did she serve meatloaf and mashed potatoes? Peach cobbler and apple pie? Did she chat with a neighbor over coffee and cake about the sale down at the Piggly Wiggly…”Land sakes! A 5 pound sack of flour for 33 cents! Why, with the Holidays just around the corner, we ought to stock up!”

An old enamel bowl, graces my bathroom sink, filled with cakes of old fashioned Ivory Soap, tied in dear little bows with scraps of fabric. So easy, affordable, practical and simply sweet!

A vintage farm-wife’s apron greets me each time I open my pantry door. I wonder how many stalks of rhubarb were cradled in the skirt of this apron, carried in from the garden and placed on the kitchen table to make Granny’s Famous Rhubarb-Custard pie?

A cozy lamp tucked in the corner, giving light to the bread in my bread box.

Fresh daisies dipped in lemon slices…

A bowl of sunshine.

Wooden spoons, spatulas, and wire wisks gathered in white pitchers…neat and orderly…ready to help out with the next meal. (White pitchers found at Michael’s craft store!)

How fun to grow some of God’s goodness! Cherry tomatoes are a favorite at the farmhouse!

Watching them ripen into natures candy! I plant basil and parsley with my tomatoes!

Talk about savoring the sweetness of summer!

God is so big He can cover the whole world with His love, and so small He can curl up inside your heart. ~ June Masters Bacher

A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.~George Moore

Well, Sugar Pies, I hope you take a moment today to enjoy God’s gifts to you….His love, wrapped up in a watermelon, and in the golden glow of a firefly. Enjoy them before the season is past. Cherish this moment. “Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us.” Psalm 90:17.

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to HIm and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100:4-5

Sugar Pie Blessings and Hugs!

Aunt Ruthie

P.S. I am so excited that Amazon has re-stocked the darling green polka dot apron with the flirty little ruffles!! This is one of my most favorite aprons! It is ADORABLE! And so fun to wear! I really do love it so much I want to marry it! LOL!

Oh my how I need to hear each and every word of this I have been struggling the last few days with having to give up my big old house and moving into my in-laws home till we get back on our feet to ready to give up on my marriage
but I have said so many prayers the last few days for Gods strength and he gets me through each day…and you are so right about what is inside of you in what comes out of you I struggle with this all the time with things that has happen in my life I have yet to let go of a few things and hand them over to God…but I am determined to fight this and get back to the happy person I once was and God is giving us a new beginning with us having to move and all so it is up to us to accept it and be Thankful for it…
Thank you Ruth Ann for yours and Gods words it has really touched my heart…you are one of our gifts from God…
Sweet Blessings…
Tonja

I always enjoy your caring words and beautiful photos! Somehow I didn’t get an update on my blogroll for your Californy post. Oh well, I’ve caught up with it now, and I LOVE all your Disneyland photos! Takes me back to when I was nine and travelled there from Perth, Western Australia. Time to take my own son there for a visit!
Thanks for your bright and homely ideas. They make my day!
Wendy xx

Thank you so much for the inspiring words & quotes in this post. I always look forward to your updates. I absolutely love all the sweet little touches you add to your home. What a beautiful place to call home.

You site is one of the most refreshing,inspiring,and beautiful sites I have ever visited.
Keep you the wonderful spiritual inspiration, you help us look at what is important in life and what has eternal value.

Several years ago I stumbled across the idea “it is not about me” while raising my children. This single thought has inspired lots of happiness and much less selfishness so I loved how you expanded upon that with regards to a cheerful heart, thank you!
I LOVE your photos and ideas, I plan to copy, copy, copy! My home is full of boys (8 of them) and keeping sweet things out had become a thing of the past but I think I’m going to start changing that especially for my 1 little girls sake. I just love your home and want mine to evoke the same warmth for my children!
Thanks Aunt Ruthie!!

Thank you for the wonderful, inspiring words! I was so excited when I saw a new post this morning! I love the idea of craddling a candle in coffee beans inside a mason jar… so simple, yet so beautiful! Have a blessed day, Aunt Ruthie!

Thank you so much for your willingness to share with us all of what you have to offer. Your home is awe inspiring, your commitment to god and your family is incredible. You are truly an inspiration. Also, I purchased my apron, love it.
Again, thank you for being you.

Oh Auntie Ruth, thank you so much for your beautiful post. It is filled with encouragement and beauty. I am going to forward this to quite a few people in my life that need encouragement. Thank you for the gift you share with all of us so freely. You have such a talent of writing so beautifully but also the photographs that you take of your home, are breathtaking. I smell the fragrances, and feel the warmth of the candles or just appreciate the vinette (spell) that you set up, and my mind just relaxes. THANK YOU!! Blessings to you and your family!!

what a wonderfully inspiring post. So many wonderful ” golden nuggets ” you shared.
thank you for reminding me that it’s not all about me in this world and daily life. It’s about Him.
Loved all the pics you posted in this post. Your home looks so cozy, homey and inviting.

Thank you for being there. I just got home this morning from the c-pap test and it didn’t go so well. Had a bite of breakfast and came to the computer and there you were. Adding God’s love and kindness to my day. I bought the glass jars with the red lids for my kitchen and they inspire me to keep things nice. I appreciate all that you do. Thanks
again!

Today, of all days, I needed this blog. I didn’t know it this morning, but I needed to read each and every word. Thank you for taking the time, and I know it takes time, to put today’s blog entry together.

This post so spoke to me this morning…I needed it! Like you, I try to find joy in the small pleasures and strive to see God’s love and handiwork everywhere. But sometimes life gets in the way…and I need to be reminded. Thank you, sweet Ruthann!
Hugs,
Amy O./picketfencemom

Aunt Ruthie,
Thank you so much for this wonderful post. I will read it over and over. Do you ever think about publishing a book with your inspirations and ideas? I think you should!
Love & Hugs,
Hattie

I was so excited when i saw you had a new post this morning. You are such an inspiration to us all. Your home is so beautiful and I am using a lot of your ideas to make my home more cozy and homey. God is using you to bless us. Please keep up the work that He has surely given you.

Your post today is so inspiring and uplifting. I enjoyed it and all your sweet photos. I am glad there are other homemakers out there who want to have God in their homes, their lives and hearts and want the beauty and Grace that He has to offer us. I am so thankful there are still happy homes to be found and women who want to make them that way.

Your Ivory soap display is so cute! and, all your pretty flowers are precious. What a lovely home and filled with Love!! Thanks for sharing with all of us. I look forward to your next post!

I was so in need of this inspirational post today and this week. I am needing to accomplish this simplicity in my actions. I needed the reminders of God’s will and the beauty of the world around us. This is all we need with a cheerful and positive attitude. Thanks so much for these wonderful words.

Thank you for opening yourself up and sharing your blessings. What a gift you have…and the COOL part is how you share it with all of us! It makes my heart feel good to read your blog and view the photos. It reminds me of my Ozark roots and the tone of home/living I enjoy so much. I think we ALL are aware that the hand of God is at work here…The blog is more than a blog. Thank you for being open to His blessings and willing to do the work involved of keeping us in the loop via your posts.

What a timely word of wise encouragement. I so often forget to really be thankful and appreciate all the small things.

Doing life with small children, my friend and I were just lamenting how hurry and scurry our dinner time hour seems to be, and what a frantic crazy mess our sweet men walk in to. We tried to think of it from their perspectives, and agreed to try something simple to calm our hearts, and welcome them home. (your pretty house photos just reminded me of all this) We agreed to try some soothing music, light a few candles, and set our tables- even if dinner was no where near ready or even thought of. AND greet our husbands at the door with some sort of appreciation for him being home!! (I know, novel idea) I am reminded again what a lovely thankful atmosphere in a home can do not only for me, but for our husbands… so thankyou for the post and great encouragements. It was just the “push” I needed to get going.

What a Beautiful ,Beautiful, Post I feel like you knew I needed this, I’ve been checking and checking : ) and this morning I thought finally she’s back and new post!! and boy what a post, I have a journal I use to write down sayings that inspire me or things I want to remember, and let me tell you this last post gave me lots. I especially LOVE that you also pray for “The Strength To Do Household Tasks” I struggle with that sometimes because I feel overwhelmed. but that prayer for strength is what gets me by. Thanks for all the beautiful reminders.
p.s. I love how your kitchen table is decorated in red/white checks-the sneak peak that I got…hint hint a summertime house tour would be nice! : )
Have a Great Day!

Thank-you, Thank-you Thank-you. I needed to read this post today. It softened by too hard heart and helped me remember the kind of wife, mother, and woman I want to be.
I was just talking to my mom last week about missing your wonderful uplifting posts. I am so glad I stopped by today. I always want to be a better person when I read your heart-felt words. I truly believe God is behind blogs to help and inspire each other. What other way would we be a ble to uplift so many! I am uplifted and inspired everyday by all the wonderful women out there is blog land, what a wonderful thing it is. Thank-you for your wonderful inspiration. You made my day!
May God Bless You Always,
Maria

Thank you so much for your beautiful and inspiring posts. I love the way you decorate your home, and wish I could visit with you over a cup of cool ice tea! Thanks for sharing the Lords blessings with all of us who feel called to be keepers of our homes.

Your words are just what I needed today. Every word you wrote was straight from God to me through you! I love every one of your posts and look forward to it! I have adopted so many of your good ideas and share your love for aprons.

Thank you, Aunt Ruthie, for your simple yet oh-so-wonderful ideas about making your house a home. You have such a knack for decorating and adding those sweet little touches that make your rooms positively sing. (I love it so much, I want to marry it.) Thank you for the beautiful inspiration.

I think this is the best message you have sent so far.. I thoroughly enjoyed reading everything.. I love music and I purchased the Sound Track from the Little Women movie.. I, too, love to play Christmas CDs before Christmas.. I’m a child of the 40’s and enjoy all of the vintage things that you talk about.. I still have some of my Mom’s things and cherish them every time I use them.. There’s nothing like vintage.. Thank you for sending this post and I will look forward to your next one..

Hi Ruthie
I love your website! It makes me so happy to read all of your god given advice and decorating ideas. I went out and bought a Kitchen Aid mixer and just made my first chocolate chip cookies in it. They turned out sooo good. Thank you so much. Bless you and your beautiful family. Kathy

Oh, what a sweet blog. I was worth the wait. Im like a kid waiting for birthdays presents when I am waiting for the next blog. The first song to come up on your blog while I was reading was by Dave Grusin. My dad passed away 3 yrs ago. He played the piano and when I heard Daves music, I had tears in my eyes. You are right, GODS love and sweetness is in everything and today I found it sitting in front of me on your blog. Thank you. Oh, and the pic of the pumpkins, Im on love with. I cant wait to nest with warm candles glowing this fall.

Dear Aunt ruthie
I love your website! It makes me so happy to read all your god given advice and devotion towards the family unit. I love your decorating. I just went out and bought a Kitchen Aid mixer and made chocolate chip cookies. They turned out so good. Thank you and keep posting all the your inspirating ideas. Love kathy

Oh my heavens, Auntie Ruthie, you have done it again! In the last week I have re-read each and every post for some encouragement in the art of homemaking as well as having a joyful heart. In the last month or so my family has had many trials and sometimes one just feels so heartbroken and lost. However, your posts remind me that our Creator is in control and I can control what goes on in my home by my attitude and heart. Thank you so much! You’re truly a blessing. Have a great day now, ya hear?!

Thank you so much for your sweet words of encouragement! Thank you for reminding us that life is about the “simple things.” Thank you for helping us to be joyful homemakers. Thank you for sharing with us your sweet little decorating tips and pics of your home…..thank you, thank you, thank you! You were a blessing to me today!

I think the greatest compliment I could share Aunt Ruthie is that I see a very blessed woman of God in every inch of this comforting, cozy and captivatingly charming Farmhouse…….God’s Glory shines through your writing Ruthie; so genteel–so genuine. Thank you for being just one more ‘light’ of Godly innocence in a world that doesn’t so easily recognize what true & lasting treasures are.

I can’t begin to tell you how much I adore you and your love of God and family. Everytime I’m feeling down or sorry for myself, I know that Aunt Ruthie will bring me up again. Thanks also for the reminder that He needs to be number one in my life…..something that’s so easy to forget in our crazy. out-of-control world. Love you!

Hi Ruthie,
Thank you so much for the lovely, uplifting post! I love all the quotes, and scripture you used…especially the quote by George Moore. I also love the “Little Women” soundtrack. I have several versions of the movie, and that version is my favorite. ( I’ve always loved Louisa May Alcott’s writing, and Little Women is my favorite book). Thank you also for all the beautiful pictures, and your decorating ideas! I love the apron that is in your pantry…very homey. Thank you again for your lovely blog, and the encouragement you give to others! God bless.

God Bless you Ruth Ann. Your words of encouragement always come at just the right time in my life. Your message of faith and being grateful for God’s blessings is priceless. Thank you for this gift and also for all the things you do to set our minds on what is pure and right! Love you!!!!

Oh, how you have blessed my soul! I can’t tell you how many times I have read your latest post. I feel like the Lord had you write it just to uplift me. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. You keep smiling and sharing your joy with others. Have a great week!

Thank you! Thank You! Thank You! Your blog is such an inspiration to me. I would just love to sit in one of your rocking chairs on the porch and drink sweet tea and talk about the things of God. Your message in your post today was beautiful and so encouraging! Thank you again!

We have a word in my house that we use called the “sprinklies” and it is the best way to describe those little tingles you get that start from your head and go down to your toes when you feel really taken care of and loved…your blog gives me the sprinklies. It’s like a warm bubble bath for the spirit.

Oh, Sweetie, this just reinforced our morning devotions in a big way. If you don’t want to live in the wilderness, learn to replace complaining and negativity with a real heart of gratitude and thankfulness. Can you believe it? I must’ve needed the double dose. ;>

I love those flour sacks and will look for them at my earliest opportunity. Thanks for featuring them again today as it reminded me all over again.

Thank you for being such an inspiration. I love your decorating ideas it reminds me alot of when I was a child. The message you had was just what the doctor ordered. My daughter turned 18 yesterday and I have been completely emotional for 2 days now. You wonder if you have done the right things, she has become such a beautiful women of God. Just to know he has had this along even when us as parents some times stumble. It is just so good to see his awesomeness.

What a beautiful post! God is so amazing! such a big god to give us joy in the simplist, most ordinary, yet extrordinary ways. Your post was balm to my soul this morning and I’m so thankful for it!!!! Thanks for the reminder to keep God center to my life and to be thankful in Everything. It’s so easy to get bogged down by attitude and petty little things and to let God slip to the backburner when He is actually the flame itself. I’m going to go and hang my laundry on the line in the glorious sunshine, get my ipod and go for a walk in His amazing beauty. I hope you have a wonderful day and week, full of His amazing, and never ending blessings! Hugs to you!!

Hello Ruthie, Just wanted to pop in and say what a wonderful inspiration you are for other women. I wanted to email you, but don’t know how. I have questions about Branson that realtors cannot answer. A Christian woman’s viewpoint is needed. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you and God’s Blessings.

ruthann-
thanks for the lovely post. one of the things i was taught growing up in a christian home was to always count my blessings. i have a very grateful heart, and take nothing for granted. as always, the pics from your home are inspiring, especially when i feel my indoor and outdoor chores are routine.

Thanks for the gentle reminder of our blessings! What a beautiful post. I ran and got a candle, canning jar, and some coffee beans and I’m looking at the warm glow of the flame as I type. Thanks for all the beautiful charming ideas and for the blessing of your blog!
Hugs,
Cathie

Aunt Ruthie
The Lord lead me to you,Thank you for all that inspiration.I am at another glorious turn pike on His path,and He keeps sending me signs to follow..you are one of them.
Its a choice to be happy and our little one are watching,mmm:)
God bless you.

This is one of my favorite posts of yours so far! How inspiring!! I definitely need to take a look at all the blessings around me and not be so cranky. Oh, and I’m great at throwing pity parties! That’s something I’m working on, too!

…you’re not alone when it comes to playing Christmas music when it’s not Christmas! My husband doesn’t understand how I can be listening to good ol’ Bing Crosby’s White Christmas when it’s July! haha. I LOVE Christmas music!

The WORDS….ohhh, the words that you put down! I just loved this post and couldn’t deny how much I needed to hear them! The best beauty secret….a thankful heart. I just loved this and will be putting it up on my ladies room mirror as a constant reminder! I love your posts and thank you for your wise words and encouragement.
Take care now,
Dee

Ruth Ann, you are indeed very blessed by God. One such way is your gift of sharing His love and His message with others. Thank you so much for writing us this wonderful, beautiful “love letter” – all about God’s love for us. I think it has touched many who have read it, and no matter where we are in our lives right now we can certainly relate and feel encouraged. I look forward to your sharing more of His Good Word, and your helpful and inspiring homemaking advice as well. God Bless!

Have you ever thought of writing a book? I love the way you write…it’s is like having a conversation with a good girlfriend. You are so upbeat and encouraging. I am REALLY looking forward to the scrapbook you mentioned that you are putting together of pictures of your home. Your decorating style is adorable…SO HOMEY…I LOVE IT!!! Thank you for your blog but really…if you ever decide to compile all of this into a book let me know. I will be the first in line to buy one:)

“Stumbled” across your blog looking for pumkins on a porch in iron urs, but God had other plans for me. Thank you for sharing your heart in this post you, a prerfect stranger, will never know how much I needed it today! God bless you and BTW your house is awesome!

I just wanted to thank you for reminding me that God is GREAT! I have been on a winding road lately, and have forgotten to put my trust in Him. It was a much needed and beautiful “pep-talk.” He has a way of placing me back on track, even through messages online haha.

I live in Ballwin Missouri only about 25 minutes from Old Town St. Charles where you vacationed. I love this little historic town. It has so much charm to it. So happy you were able to come visit and enjoyed it so much. I love that I can visit there any day of the week. It is constantly in change so come see us again. Love all your decorating ideas and have spent hours on your website just totally enjoying myself. Thanks for a wonderful website. Connie

Yep I am still around and kicking… Ever since my surgery I have been going through a mid life type of thing… trying to clear the cob webs so to speak… So I am play catch up with your wonderful blog… I really appreciate your honesty and the heart you but into this entry. Will I appreciate it in all your blogs, but this one I really needed today… All in Gods perfect timing!!!

Love your look!! And could not agree with you more about the music! I love to clean, rearrange and putz around with music on! Little Women! the BEST! haha. You are pretty inspiring. Love all things old and quaint.

I have been reading through some back posts, and have been loving each one – especially this one though! Thank you so much for such sweet reminders of God’s goodness and blessings!
Have a *fabulous* day and God bless,
Shannon

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God has truly blessed you with a great gift of spreading his love and goodness and all of your beautiful ,homey ideas! You are A very special person and thank you for sharing all that’s good! God Bless!

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